In need of a cozy tropical getaway? Check out our ultimate guide to RV camping near Hunting Island State Park to plan a luxurious camping trip!

Imagine this: 5,000 acres of open skies, five miles of beaches, evergreen semi-tropical treelines, and ancient rolling sand dunes. It might sound like a scene on a far-away coast, but this little piece of paradise is probably a lot closer than you imagine. 

South Carolina’s very own Hunting Island State Park is home to all these scenes and more! Over a million visitors per year have discovered what makes this destination so special. Read on to learn all you need to know to make an unforgettable trip to this amazing park!

Hunting Island State Park Facts

From Civil War-era battles to modern-day movie shoots, this park is full of history. Get up to speed with these Hunting Island State Park facts!

• Hunting Island is one of the last remaining pieces of undeveloped Lowcountry left in South Carolina.
• The Lowcountry is known for its unique architecture, heritage, and culture, which can’t be found in any other area.
• Hunting Island Lighthouse, an icon of the park, was originally built in the 1850s but was destroyed by the Confederate army during the Civil War. 
• The current version of the lighthouse has been standing since 1875 and is now a symbol of resilience. The 1893 Sea Island Hurricane destroyed every standing structure on the island besides the lighthouse.
• The exotic-looking forests were the backdrop of two films depicting Vietnam in the 1990s: GI Jane and Forrest Gump.

Hunting Island State Park Information

So, where is Hunting Island State Park and what are its hours and admission fees? Read on to find out.

Hunting Island State Park is located at 2555 Sea Island PKWY Hunting Island SC 29920. The park is southeast of Beaufort, SC. Cruise America has a convenient rental location in Beaufort, SC for RVer to pick up their RV rentals.

Park Hours

6 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily (extended to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time)

Office Hours

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Monday-Friday)

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Saturday-Sunday)

Park Fees

Adults - $8

South Carolina Seniors - $5

Children (age 6-15) - $4

Children under 5 - free

Park Rules

• No fireworks, alcoholic beverages, or explosives are allowed.
• Feeding, touching, and harassing wildlife is not allowed.
• Fires are only allowed in designated fire rings for campfire safety. 
• Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas besides the tip of North Beach past the posted markers to protect critical shorebird habitat.
• Pets are not allowed in cabins, on the pier, or inside the lighthouse complex.
• No live animals or plants may be collected. This includes sand dollars.
• The use of metal detectors is prohibited near the lighthouse grounds.

Best Hunting Island State Park RV Parks and Campgrounds

Make choosing your next home base a breeze with this handy guide to the best Hunting Island State Park RV parks and campgrounds!

Hunting Island State Park Campground

Amenities: This campground is the best option for a convenient place to stay near the beach. The Hunting Island State Park RV sites are immediately next to the beach to wake up to a refreshing sea breeze every morning. The campgrounds feature full hookups, water, and a bathhouse. 

Capacity: 102 RV sites

More Information: Hunting Island State Park Campground

The Oaks at Point South Resort

Amenities: The Oaks is full of shaded RV sites near Hunting Island State Park with a Lowcountry vibe. Enjoy a stay that feels like you’re camping in a park with a comfortable wooded environment. Wi-Fi is available in the clubhouse only, so it’s a good choice to maintain a connection to nature. Users report flooded, muddy grounds after heavy rain, so check the forecast before booking.

Capacity: 93 RV sites

More Information: The Oaks at South Point Resort

Edisto Beach Campground

Amenities: Edisto Beach is another lesser populated area of Hunting Island State Park with RV sites located within walking distance to the beach. Visitors report clean bathrooms and concrete sites that are easy to level. There’s no Wi-Fi available, but with five miles of quiet beach right around the bend, you’ll have plenty to see and do.

Capacity: 112 RV sites

More Information: Edisto Beach Campground

Givhans Ferry Campground

Amenities: The small, spartan Givhans Ferry Campground is a nice alternative to the park itself if you're looking for the basics to feel more attuned to nature around you. Even though this is a small campground, you’ll have all the amenities you’ll need like full hookups, TV service, Wi-Fi, and restrooms with showers. It’s right next to the Edisto River, with a tubing station nearby for a fun trip down the river.

Capacity: 25 sites

More Information: Givhans Ferry Campground

Best Time To Visit Hunting Island State Park 

Figure out the best time for your trip with these convenient tips on the best time to visit Hunting Island State Park!

Winter

Even though December through February is the low season, winter might be the best season for RV camping in Hunting Island State Park. The weather stays a mild 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime. And with over a million visitors per year, this is the best way to enjoy the park without a crowd.

Spring

Spring is one of the most popular times of the year for RV camping in Hunting Island State Park. The weather hangs around the 70s-80s and is perfect for nearly any activity you’d like to enjoy there. It’s also the best season for the park’s St. Phillips Island Ferry Excursion to a remote barrier island for open beaches and hiking. 

Summer

South Carolina summers tend to be hot and humid, so pack and dress light if you’re thinking of a visit between June and August. A trip in the very early or late summer might be best to avoid sticky humidity. If you’re planning on spending most of your time on the beach anyway, a quick dip in the ocean is a perfect relief on any summer day you choose.

Fall

Thanks to the tropical trees present, there’s very little fall foliage in the park if you’re looking for a classic autumn feel. Fall is also peak hurricane season in South Carolina. But if you don’t mind rolling the dice, you’ll be rewarded with brisk, breezy beaches and a lower crowd density than normal.

Things To Do in Hunting Island State Park

Now that the time and place are all set, let’s jump in all the fun things to do in Hunting Island State Park!

• Visit the lighthouse. This is one of the few 19th-century lighthouses open to the public. Climb to the top and enjoy a gorgeous, panoramic view of the Atlantic. Imagine the past forces of man and nature that the lighthouse withstood to offer the beautiful scene before you.
• Stargaze. Look up at night! The near-total lack of light pollution and the isolated nature of RV camping in Hunting Island State Park make for some spectacular photos of the stars.
• Walk the Marsh Boardwalk. This short, easy hike walks you over the salt marshes with a good chance to spot local wildlife. Make your way there for picturesque sunsets that you’ll never forget.
• Explore St. Phillips Island. The park offers excursions to St. Phillips Island in spring and summer. Don’t miss this chance to see this barrier island home to diverse natural scenery. From the rolling sand dunes, the desolate “boneyard beaches,” to the lush, overgrown forest trails, there’s remarkable scenery at every turn.
• Go boating. At Hunting Island State Park, there is public boat access at the south end of the park. A boat ramp gives access to Harbor River and Fripp Inlet.
• Fish in Johnson Creek. Visitors can go fishing in Johnson Creek, or on the beach itself. Bait and fishing gear are available for purchase at the park store on-site at the Hunting Island State Park campground.
• Fish off the fishing pier. Anglers also have the option of utilizing the fishing pier at the southern tip of the state park. The pier extends into Fripp Inlet. Pets are not allowed on the pier.

Tips for Visiting Hunting Island State Park

You’re just about ready to roll! Check out these late-minute tips on visiting Hunting Island State Park to make the most of your next adventure.

• Plan well in advance and consider RV camping in Hunting Island State Park in the off-season. Over a million visitors per year make their way to this popular destination.
• Mosquito season is a long one in South Carolina (March to October). Pack some bug repellent, especially in the summer months.
• Pack some binoculars if you’re a bird-watcher. The island is home to hundreds of interesting species like tanagers, orioles, egrets, pelicans, and more!
• Native birds use the area for nesting and breeding grounds. Try your best not to disturb the local wildlife by not getting too close and keeping your four-legged friends on a leash.

RV Rental for Hunting Island State Park 

That wraps up all you’ll need for your journey to this unique destination. And if you’re looking for some wheels to get you there, Cruise America’s got you covered. Their budget-friendly RV rentals for Hunting Island State Park are perfect for a short trip or a longer stay, too. The cozy atmosphere of an RV is the perfect way to make some memories with a fresh, non-traditional vacation.

Make the joy of the journey as memorable as your destination. Book a Hunting Island State Park RV rental today!